[TexKat]

Bush says Rumsfeld is stepping down

By DAVID ESPO and LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Wednesday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down and former CIA Director Robert Gates will take over at the Pentagon and in prosecuting the war in Iraq.

Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon, Republican officials said.

The development occurred one day after midterm elections that cost Republicans control of the House, and possibly the Senate, as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic victory.

Bush described Rumsfeld as a "superb leader" in a time of change, but said his defense chief recognizes the value of "fresh perspective." He said Rumsfeld is a "trusted adviser and friend," and that he's "deeply grateful" for his service to the country. Bush said he and Rumsfeld agreed that "the timing is right for new leadership" at the Pentagon.

Last week, as he campaigned to save the Republican majority, Bush declared that Rumsfeld would remain at the Pentagon through the end of his term.

Rumsfeld, 74, was in his second tour of duty as defense chief. He first held the job a generation ago, when he was appointed by President Ford.

Gates is the president of Texas A&M University and a close friend of the Bush family. He served as CIA director for Bush's father from 1991 until 1993.

Gates first joined the CIA in 1966 and served in the intelligence community for more than a quarter century, under six presidents.

His nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.

Whatever confidence Bush retained in Rumsfeld, the Cabinet officer's support in Congress had eroded significantly. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House speaker-in-waiting, said at her first post-election news conference that Bush should replace the top civilian leadership at the Pentagon.

And Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who had intervened in the past to shore up Rumsfeld, issued a statement saying, "Washington must now work together in a bipartisan way — Republicans and Democrats — to outline the path to success in Iraq."

[FFIGHTER]

When is everyone at the RNC going to resign? Wait, that would take leadership, and they have none.

[pctech]

And the hits just keep on coming....................

My words cannot convey the anger I feel towards the rats!

[MinuteGal]

This press conference is a mini-disaster. I wish Laura was in the wings with a hook.

The President is nervous, wired and embarrassingly over-eager at too detailes with his answers.

No sense in saying how this presser should have been conducted because, as the president said, you don't get to do overs.

Leni

[Jonathon Spectre]

Yes, it's so terrifically sad that Don "I'll fire the next person who talks about what to do AFTER the war" Rumsfeld is losing his job.

When you look around the Congress at the new Democratic majority in the House & Senate, you can, at least in part, thank Donald Rumsfeld.

Wonder how the election would have gone if he would have actually listened to any of the numerous voices who said we needed far more than 150,000 men to "win" in Iraq? If we sent enough troops to actually win? We could be looking at a permanant, enduring Republican majority. Instead, we will deal with Speaker Pelosi & Majority Leader Reid.

[Thombo2]

More bad news/no sarc

[MinuteGal]

An honest question......is it possible that Rummy WANTED to resign?

That he was sick and tired of fighting a politically-correct war?

That he privately thought that many of our field generals in Iraq are not adequate in their jobs?

That he wasn't getting the ear of the President who may have been leaning on mushy, inner-circle political advisors who wanted to win the next election more than to win the war quickly and decisively?

Is it possible that Vice-President Cheney feels the same way? He appeared to me to be just going through motions this past year.

The variables of what goes on behind the scenes are countless. But I'm not discounting the fact that Rumsfield may have wanted out, and Cheney may want to get out also, although he will repress that thought since he has only 48 months to go in the Bush administration. He'll stay the course.

I'm afraid our hawks are being neutered or eliminated outright.

Leni

[Blue Scourge]

All I can say is good riddance.

I'm bound to be called a liberal or a commie, but sorry guys, I really don't think he has done a good job at all.

[Centurion2000]

bump

[ladyinred]

I am so darn upset about this I could just scream!!!

[FightThePower!]

If Bush fired him, why did he wait until after the election?

[GVnana]

Awwwrggh. Not Rummy!

[zendari]

Not unexpected.

[Rte66]

God bless Donald Rumsfeld! Thank you for your service, Rummy! Love you! Smooches!

Now you can go to DisneyLand!

[P.O.E.]

My read: Mr. Rumsfeld seeing the writing on the wall with the incoming Dem House basically saying FU I ain't going through 2 years of continual harping and hearings.